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Leeds sack Grayson

Leeds United have confirmed manager Simon Grayson and his coaching staff have been sacked.

Last Updated: 02/02/12 7:05am

Leeds United have confirmed manager Simon Grayson and his coaching staff have been sacked.

The decision comes in the wake of Tuesday's 4-1 Championship home defeat by Birmingham City.

The loss, which was the club's 10th in the league this season, left Leeds three points off sixth place.

Grayson recently celebrated three years at the Elland Road helm, helping the club win promotion to the Championship during that time.

Youth team manager Neil Redfearn has been placed in temporary charge until a new manager is appointed.

Chief executive Shaun Harvey has explained the club are looking for a new managerial team to get more out of their existing squad.

He told the club's official website: "We have 18 games to go this season and are still within touching distance of the play-offs, but felt with the transfer window now closed we needed to make the change at this time in the belief that a new managerial team will be able to get more out of the existing squad of players and make the difference.

"Simon and his staff have given the club over three good years' service and we would like to place on record our thanks and wish them all the best for the future.

"Current youth-team manager Neil Redfearn has been asked to take temporary charge of the first team until a new manager is available."

Appointment

Former Blackpool manager Grayson was appointed by the Whites on December 23rd 2008 following Gary McAllister's sacking.

Leeds suffered semi-final play-off heartache to Millwall that season before being promoted in the 2009/10 campaign courtesy of a 2-1 League One success over Bristol Rovers on the final day.

Grayson also enjoyed a memorable FA Cup success in January 2010 after eliminating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third round courtesy of Jermaine Beckford's goal. They subsequently held Tottenham at White Hart Lane before losing the replay.

Leeds surpassed expectations upon returning to the Championship following a three-year absence - the West Yorkshire side finished seventh in the standings three points behind Nottingham Forest.